THE Government should specify the mode of compensation for the people affected by the construction of a new bridge on River Nile before the project is implemented, stakeholders have said.
The $100m (about sh2b) bridge, will affect 56 private housing units, both existing and those under construction and some industries, including petrol stations.
The stakeholders raised their concerns during the 3rd consultation meeting at Ridar Hotel in Seeta, Mukono district on Tuesday.
“What mechanism has been put in place for compensation given the history of the Government’s delayed method of payment?†Omar Bongo, a councillor of Mayuge district, asked.
Robert Semakula from the Environmental Livelihood, a non-governmental organisation, wondered where the Government would get the money to compensate the affected people.
He cited the Nsooba Channel project, which he said was suspended because the Government and Kampala City Council did not have the funds to compensate the affected people.
Jinja chief administrative officer Okiror Iporotum cited the oil pipeline project in Jinja, saying the affected people were assessed six months ago but had not received payment.
“People are becoming jittery especially when their buildings are affected,†Okiror said.
The roads authority land acquisition adviser, Pamela Ayebare, said the Government was committed to compensating the affected people.
“When we are assured of the value (of compensation), it will be included in the next budget and paid promptly in the next financial year,†Ayebare assured the stakeholders.
People affected by new Jinja bridge demand pay
